Adele's soulful voice, catchy hits and vulnerable personality have won her critical acclaim and huge popularity. She shattered a chart record of 21 years standing when her second album, 21, remained at the number one spot in the UK charts for 15 consecutive weeks. A global success, Adele has topped the charts in 18 countries. But who is she? What is the truth of the tempestuous life that has so influenced her heartbreaking tracks? How did she overcome the challenges that threatened to derail her career? This compelling book traces her story from her childhood in London, where she began singing at the age of four. During her teenage years she wrote her own music and attended the BRIT school, alongside the likes of Leona Lewis. After posting demos on the MySpace website she earned a record deal and quickly captured our hearts. Adele remains an unlikely icon. Her looks are unusual in a formulaic world of celebrity image, she suffers badly with pre-stage nerves and once cancelled a cruicial promotional trip to America because she felt too down to travel. This is a full, unflinching portrait of a genuine talent and inspiring, uncompromising woman - the curvy girl-next-door who conquered the world.